Support for Implementing the MN Read Act: Developing Supplemental Culturally Responsive Literacy Curricula and Supporting Materials and Guidance. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Literacy Division is requesting proposals from qualified individuals, organizations and/or agencies to develop supplemental culturally responsive materials and resources for identified evidence based structured literacy curricula and provide comprehensive support for the implementation of the Minnesota READ (Reading to Ensure Academic Development) Act. The Minnesota READ ACT Statute, Section 120B.124 subdivision 1, does direct MDE to partner with the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) to: identify at least five literacy curricula and supporting materials that are evidence-based or focused on structured literacy by July 1, 2024. The list must include curricula that use culturally and linguistically responsive materials that reflect diverse populations and, to the extent practicable, curricula that reflect the experiences of students from diverse backgrounds, including multi-lingual learners, biliterate students, and students who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. MDE in collaboration with CAREI created a Cultural Responsiveness Rubric to objectively evaluate literacy curricular materials to ensure they are the highest quality. MDE AND CAREI administered a review process using the Attachment E: Cultural Responsiveness Rubric (Rubric). The rubric is designed to reflect, but not encompass all areas of Culturally Responsive Education. Attachment E includes a tab for cultural responsiveness and incorporates the principles throughout relevant sections of the Rubric. Once the review was complete, it was determined that none of the submitted curriculums met the required expectations for cultural responsiveness, but did meet other required areas. Culturally Responsive Education is defined as a combination of teaching, pedagogy, curriculum, theories, attitudes, practices, and instructional materials that center students' culture, identities, and contexts throughout educational systems (Bryan-Gooden et al., 2023, p. 8). It is imperative that Culturally Responsive Education is at the center of a school district's work around curriculum adoption and implementation to ensure high levels of student engagement, positive self-image and self-definition, and to guarantee all students develop the knowledge, skills, and understandings needed for lifelong learning and college and career readiness. The Responder awarded this Contract (Contractor) is expected to work with publishers who are currently on the MDE Highly Aligned and Partially Aligned READ Act approved list (deemed aligned to evidenced-based structured literacy) to review their submitted instructional and intervention curriculum using the Attachment E: Culturally Responsive Rubric as a guide to ensure the curricula includes cultural competency and inclusivity of all learners. The review needs to be completed within 180 days of receiving the materials from MDE. The Contractor will provide a report to MDE upon completion of each curriculum review and meet with MDE to discuss finding and recommendations for working with the publisher to either revise or add resources and materials that are culturally relevant. Once the materials and resources are developed in partnership with the publisher, the contractor will develop Curriculum guidance documents for each publisher. These materials will be provided to staff from the Regional Literacy Networks (RLN) to support the coaching of school districts who are implementing these approved curriculums to now ensure the curriculum meets the culturally responsive requirements outlined in the Rubric. THIS IS A FORMAL SOLICITATION. MDE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING PROPOSALS OUTSIDE OF SWIFT. RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED IN THE eSUPPLIER PORTAL OF SWIFT. SWIFT CONTRACTOR ASSISTANCE HELP DESK. Contractors needing help with registration and/or completing their response to this Event in the Supplier Portal may contact the Contractor Assistance Helpdesk: 651.201.8100, Option 1.
Background
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Literacy Division is seeking proposals to develop supplemental culturally responsive materials and resources for evidence-based structured literacy curricula. This initiative supports the implementation of the Minnesota READ Act, which aims to enhance literacy education for diverse populations, including multilingual learners and students from historically marginalized backgrounds.
MDE is partnering with the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) to identify high-quality literacy curricula that reflect cultural and linguistic diversity.
Work Details
The contractor will evaluate instructional and intervention curricula using the Cultural Responsiveness Rubric developed by MDE and CAREI. The tasks include:
1. Evaluating identified literacy curricula for cultural competency and inclusivity standards.
2. Writing summary reports for each reviewed curriculum, identifying strengths, opportunities, and red flags by grade level.
3. Collaborating with publishers to revise or add culturally relevant resources based on evaluation findings.
4. Creating guidance documents for Regional Literacy Network staff to facilitate discussions on cultural responsiveness in literacy instruction.
5. Identifying additional resources to supplement literacy curricula focusing on historically marginalized communities.
Period of Performance
The anticipated contract term is from March 2025 to February 2027, with an option to extend for an additional year.
Place of Performance
The services will be performed primarily within the State of Minnesota.
